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Avatar universal

My dog started to suddenly leap up for no apparent reason

My dog, an Australian Shepherd, is 4y8m. About a month ago, she started to exhibit an odd behaviour. While lying down, for no apparent reason, she leaps up and freaks out. I notice this because I have hard wood floors and the nails of her hind paws suddenly make scratching noises. She does this so suddenly, her hind paws don't get any traction and it's like she's running on the spot, slipping and scratching up my floors!

I've had these floors for 3 years and she has never done anything like this until the past month. It's disconcerting because I don't know what's causing it and because she's scratching the hell out of my relatively new floors. She does this several times a day.

On a possibly related note, she has epilepsy and has been on Phenobarbital for the past 2.5 years. She's been seizure free for the past year and a half. I haven't notice any other odd behaviour and when I catch her doing this, she appears alert and aware.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?
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Avatar universal
My dog 9+ year Male Westie has been doing this sudden jump kind of thing described here for past 6 months.

We did ultrasound thinking it was digestive thing related as he was having some issues in June. Ultrasound clear, bloodwork clear. And this continued.

Then our vet asked us to do x-ray because my dog suddenly stopped climbing stairs or couch. And then, the mild hip arthritis was diagnosed. We are also treating him with acupuncture (holistic vet). Vet also thinks it is mild nerve pain which is causing it. He said it is not serious enough to do an MRI or such.

My dog is on tramadol, and gabapentin (the sudden jump may be like a pinched nerve). Rimadyl was given for a few days and then i chose not to give due to the intense side effects especially on westies breed is predisposed to liver issues.

There are a few times the jumping thing happens - i am hoping this can be resolved with gabapentin or methocarbomol. I hope this is not start of IVDD.

Pharma: Tramadol + gabapentin
Nutraceuticals: Dasaquin + vetridisc for back pain

Hope this helps.
Helpful - 1
1 Comments
Did you ever find out what was wrong?  This is happening to my 14 yr old Havanese.  We have been to the vet and through all kinds of testing (blood work, internal medicine, neurology, tried many anti-anxiety meds, etc).   We can not figure anything out.  Thanks.
Avatar universal
My dog just started doing this 2 or 3 days ago. He jumps up as if stung in his butt. He also quivers, pants, digs, and seems anxious. The vet says that it might be sciatica
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I just lost my bulldog a week and go he was fine and happy one day then the next day he was acting drunk like he couldn't walk then he fell down so we took him to the er and the said he had vestibular disease so we took him home with some meds and he was still acting the same and then he fell and let out a big yelp so we rush him to the er and had 2 seizures there so we had to put him down he died right in my face i'm so traumatized he was gonna be 6 aug 5. i guess this is normal in bull dogs but its sucks!! Sorry about your loss
Avatar universal
Exact same with my dog. He had fleas but I think this is more than fleas. He suddenly leaps up and freaking out and chewing his leg. He looks like he's in pain. I feel so sorry for him
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My 9 year old lab (also has epilepsy) started doing this too. I was wondering if you ever figured out what was going on.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My 11yr old boxer mix started this about 4mo ago, and after process of elimination I think Ive narrowed it down to pain. I started treating with Metacam (which is expensive but my dog refuses blood draws and I dont want to make his injury worse by him fighting the vet to have his liver checked with the other options) it has helped a lot although he still doesnt sleep the night and has anxiety issues. I think the anxiety/sleep is due to the fear of repeated pain because anxiety meds dont help. Hes glued to me every moment and refuses to sleep unless my husband and I are both with him or not home. He used to be so lazy I would have to coax him out of bed before this happened, now the min either of us stand up hes right out of bed to follow us. Going to start Melatonin for calming/sleep to see if that helps.  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
You said "I dont want to make his injury worse by him fighting the vet ", you should take him to the Vet! The doctors have plenty of options for anxiety reduction so the dog will not be stressed and or fight the doctor. If it is pain related, something is causing that pain and Melatonin won't cure it. Also, it can do more harm than good to medicate our friends without professional advise. Just tell them about your guys anxiety when you call for an appointment and let the suggest the best approach.
Avatar universal
My 11yr old boxer mix started this about 4mo ago, and after process of elimination I think I've narrowed it down to pain. I started treating with Metacam (which is expensive but my dog refuses blood draws and I don't want to make his injury worse by him fighting the vet to have his liver checked with the other options) it has helped a lot although he still doesn't sleep the night and has anxiety issues. I think the anxiety/sleep is due to the fear of repeated pain because anxiety meds don't help. He's glued to me every moment and refuses to sleep unless my husband and I are both with him or not home. He used to be so lazy I would have to coax him out of bed before this happened, now the min either of us stand up he's right out of bed to follow us. Going to start Melatonin for calming/sleep to see if that helps.  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
See most of these comments make me think paranormal...my dogs is glued to me too and in my face.  He acts like something poked him hard in his butt end .no licking or biting.  I just think everything happening in the world is making the doorway open.
675347 tn?1365460645
COMMUNITY LEADER
I don't really know. But there could be all sorts of causes. She could be getting a sudden pain or twinge somewhere. Or if she leaps up out of sleep she could be startled by a dream she is having? Or there might be some biting fly or bug which gets to her...?

Have you mentioned this to your vet? That might be wise. It might or might not be neurological, or there may be another cause which is physical and needs checking. (tenderness in her belly area or something which causes a sudden sharp pain etc)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was wondering if your dog still has this problem? I have a King Charles Spaniel (91/2 years) that just started this- she is laying down and then real fast jumps up and goes in a circle with her face pointing to her rear but then - real fast- runs to me and wants to get as close to my face as possible! She stares at me with a sad face and she sits, with a little shaking. I lay her down and check out her body, on both sides, best I know how. I see no fleas, I see no rash, I check out her orfices and use colloidal silver spray on them. She gets the anal glands expressed by groomer and is up with her flea and worm supps. I did read about the glands squeezed by groomer on outside and the vet does the inside but I never knew about that.?? But was curious to hear if you are still experiencing this. This is not just when she is sleeping, as other testament said. I can't imagine what this is.But she races around so fast!
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I have a male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel too and he is 3 years old in February and he started this about a year ago.  It's like he gets a shock up his ***.  I don't mean to be so crass but that's the best I can describe it.  He is not sleeping - just doing his normal activities.  Very strange.  My vet gave him Apoquel and I give him 5.4 mgs once a day.  It has helped a little bit but I wish I knew what it was.
Avatar universal
My dog did the same. Jumped up from a sound sleep and then would look like she was scared to death. After a long process of tests, xrays, anal glands it was determined she suffers from Sleep Behavior Disorder. Humans get this as well. She is prescribed potassium Bromide. Since potassium bromide needs to build up in the system and take months to reach theraputic levels she was also presribed Clonzepam.  For more infomtomto your vet or a vetrinary neurolgist. There is also a little information online if you Google Sleep Behavior Disorder. Good luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My dog is a 14 year old siberian husky she is doing exactly the same as your dog ....at first i thought it was her age but like yours seems to be ok when outside i also thought about the fact she maybe see or hear something i could'nt....but she acts the same at my sons house so me as well would like to know i presently live 5 hours from her vet but will take her there if this continues.....shes my ( BABY )
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hi my 9 year old dog has been doing the same thing weather it's night or the day freaks
out of a dead  sleep like he hears someone is scared and jumped on me and follow me around the house. Did you find what was wrong with yours. I don't have the money to take him to the vet
Avatar universal
My toy fox terrier was doing the same thing. I took him to groomer and she said anal glands were fine. Got him home that same day and he was still jumping suddenly, scratching and biting at haunches. When he followed me around the house and barking incessantly (not usual behavior) I took him to the vet.She said his anal glands were "very full" even though groomer said they were clear.

When I called the groomer back I was told that most (all?) groomers only do exterior expressing with pressure (huh?) and that only vets do internal cleaning.

All I know is that he is back to normal and resting comfortably now.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
My toy fox terrier also does the same thing. I recently had his glands expressed at the vet but he still jumps up. It seems whatever it is is painful. I haven't seen any fleas. He has almost always done this. I am frustrated.
Avatar universal
My dog started doing the very same thing about 2 months at. No fleas, gland fine.
He jumps up from sleep like something hit him. His heart beats fast, he trembles like he is scared to death, and he walks around with his tail between his legs. He follows me into every room and has to be right next to me. I have begun to wonder if he is being bothered by some animal spirit, myself. He sits and stares at nothing! When I take him for a walk he acts normal. I don't have the money to take him to the vet so am real interested to hear anything other people are experiencing, and what has been found.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My dog started doing the very same thing about 2 months at. No fleas, gland fine.
He jumps up from sleep like something hit him. His heart beats fast, he trembles like he is scared to death, and he walks around with his tail between his legs. He follows me into every room and has to be right next to me. I have begun to wonder if he is being bothered by some animal spirit, myself. He sits and stares at nothing! When I take him for a walk he acts normal. I don't have the money to take him to the vet so am real interested to hear anything other people are experiencing, and what has been found.
Helpful - 0
4 Comments
Hi have you ever found out what was wrong with your dog? my Joey does the same thing sound asleep day or night jumps up like something scares them and actually plans on me follows me around the house. I as well have no money to take him to the vet otherwise he seems fine help please
Did anyone ever find a cause for this?  My dog (no fleas or bugs, inside and outside glands expressed) does this constantly. Sleeping, SUDDENLY jumps up, stares at butt and sometimes bites or licks that area, glued to me WHERE EVER i go that i trip over him, tail down and staring at butt. He cant lay down and rest sometimes cuz he cant be comfortable long enough. He actually hurt his neck and shoulder using his front legs to twist his body around to looked at and lick butt. Told vets office 2-3 times but they look at me like i have 2 heads. Only explanation they have is glands and thats NOT the problem. Would appreciate ANY NEW IDEAS!!
My dog has started to do the same thing. He act's like he is being shocked from behind. He's on flee meds and just had his anal glands drained two days ago but still jumps. I'm taking him back to the Vet. I have diagnosed a past dog myself when the Vet. missed the problem back then, so I will keep on him until we find out what's going on.
My dog has been doing that for about 2 yrs.  she's 15, Vet said many dogs aging shake.  We put her on Prozac and it really helped.
Avatar universal
My Pug just started doing this about a week ago. She is on Frontline and her butt doesn't smell like tuna (anal glands). When she jumps up, it is so sudden and she is lying down and resting when this happens.
She is 7 years old and I am wondering if it is a nerve/hip thing like one of the others said.
I'm going to keep an eye on her and let you guys know if I find anything out.
Take Care
Helpful - 0
3 Comments
Did you ever find out what was wrong?  This is happening to my 14 yr old Havanese.  We have been to the vet and through all kinds of testing (blood work, internal medicine, neurology, tried many anti-anxiety meds, etc).   We can not figure anything out.  Thanks.
Skeely - it is now over a year later since you you have asked for any updates and Im sorry you're Havi is going through this too. I have a 13 year old Jack Russell who is doing the same. In a dead sleep and bolts up and off the end of the recliner. I thought maybe fleas too but he's on flea medication and I have not seen him scratch once. I had gotten a rescue dog for him to have a companion for separation anxiety when he was 1 and I had to put her down about 6 weeks ago. He's always been skiddish, but nothing like this. I have noticed he's been shaking his head on occasion but doesnt ever scratch his ears but I'm wondering if it could still be something related to his inner ear or psychosis of some sort. Anyhow, I figured I'd reach out to see if anyone ever found out anything concrete about this.
And now it’s been over a year since you wrote this! Did you or anyone else ever determine the cause? Our 12 year old has been experiencing this for a few months. Help!
Avatar universal
You're not alone...my two mini pins have the same problem too, for about maybe one year now... I started to think if it has something to do with....We had a hunting cat before. The cat took many animals home and killed them alive. For sure those little poor ghosts died in “tragedy’ in our house...Just guessing my two babies might have been haunted by them. Well…maybe not because I can’t see why it did not happen right away and started recently. Two of them…always suddenly jump out of the bed or leap out of where they are at. It looks like they were shocked and scared by something because their tails are always down and they look like a loser while experiencing this. However, the next second they will be fine. I even asked an animal communicator to ask my dog about this. My dog Hanna said that it was a psychical type of thing.  She herself did not know why and was always shocked by herself too.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You're not alone...my two mini pins have the same problem too, for about maybe one year now... I started to think if it has something to do with....We had a hunting cat before. The cat took many animals home and killed them alive. For sure those little poor ghosts died in “tragedy’ in our house...Just guessing my two babies might have been haunted by them. Well…maybe not because I can’t see why it did not happen right away and started recently. Two of them…always suddenly jump out of the bed or leap out of where they are at. It looks like they were shocked and scared by something because their tails are always down and they look like a loser while experiencing this. However, the next second they will be fine. I even asked an animal communicator to ask my dog about this. My dog Hanna said that it was a psychical type of thing.  She herself did not know why and was always shocked by herself too.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Paranormal..that's exactly my first thought when my dog does this.
Avatar universal
Sigh... vet couldn't find anything. Anal gland was all good. Flea comb came out clean. Vet seemed to think everything was normal so couldn't come up with a reason for the behaviour. Still, in case they're there and we just couldn't find them, she's on flea medication. Frustrating.
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
Good Job! Let us know what you find out...Good luck, Karla
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks everyone for your replies. Taking her to the vet today so hopefully can get to the bottom of this.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Did you ever find out what was wrong?  This is happening to my 14 yr old Havanese.  We have been to the vet and through all kinds of testing (blood work, internal medicine, neurology, tried many anti-anxiety meds, etc).   We can not figure anything out.  Thanks.
Nothing definitive but the behaviour stopped. Unfortunately, she started having seizures so there is a possibility it was related to that. She is now clear of seizures so...
Avatar universal
If the vet says it's not the anal gland or fleas, could it be bad dreams? I have had dogs in the past to leap up out of a sound sleep, but not quite that bad of freak out.
Helpful - 0
974371 tn?1424653129
Lol! Well, at least you typed it. Lol!  Yes, I have seen this too from fleas and anal gland issues.
As a matter of fact, the puppy here was doing that and after a thorough inspection, found 3 fleas at the base of her tail.  Damn neighbor's cats, I am sure.  
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
I too, have seen this behavior over the years, in two different dogs......One was with undetected flea bites.....The other was an Anal gland issue....Both seemed to be worse when they were laying down & being still!  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I am currently having an issue with my dog.  He will be lying down and jumps up and looks at his butt like something has bit him. I have had him at the vet four times. His anal glans are full of blood and he is on his third antibiotic.  Is it normal for a dog to jump up this way with anal gland issues? It seems like something is hurting him or biting him.  He keeps looking at me, wanting me to help him.  He was checked for fleas. Please help!!
1436598 tn?1332896533
The only other thing I can think of (and I'm kind of reaching) is maybe something is going on in her back or hip and when the nerve gets compressed it causes some sort of pain that makes her leap up?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
No, she's not biting at anything. She just freaks out and stops. I noticed her heart is racing for about 20-30 secs after it happens. She actually just did it again. I wish I know what she was responding to.
Helpful - 0
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